Vaccination

Newborns are routinely vaccinated soon after birth to help their bodies resist common illnesses—something most of us are familiar with. This process is a standard medical practice, ensuring that infants are protected from various contagious diseases that humans have fought and developed vaccines for over time. However, many people are unaware that vaccinations are not just for infants and children. There are also essential vaccines for adults, which become necessary at certain ages or under specific circumstances. Yes, adults need vaccinations too! In this article, we’ll explore the topic of adult vaccination—a subject that isn’t widely discussed but is important for maintaining long-term health. Please note, the information provided is for educational purposes, and it’s essential to consult medical professionals before considering any vaccinations unless they are recommended due to a public health concern.

First things first, let’s understand what vaccination is and why it’s important. A vaccine works similarly to any medicine, helping the body prepare to fight off specific diseases. Vaccines typically contain a small, harmless piece of a virus or bacteria—or sometimes a weakened version of the virus or bacteria itself. When introduced into the body, the immune system recognizes this as foreign and begins to create a defence mechanism. Essentially, your immune system learns how to identify and combat the germ or virus, building immunity in the process. This acquired immunity helps protect you from falling sick if you’re exposed to the same germ in the future. Through vaccination, we can develop protection against common diseases that spread from person to person, reducing the risk of widespread outbreaks. Now, it’s important to note that while some vaccinations provide lifelong immunity, others may lose their effectiveness over time. In such cases, booster doses are necessary to maintain protection. A booster dose essentially strengthens and extends the effectiveness of the original vaccine, ensuring that your body remains prepared to fight off the disease if exposed.

There are various forms of vaccines, here are the list:

1. Inactivated vaccines (e.g., flu vaccine): contain killed germs.

2. Live, attenuated vaccines (e.g., MMR vaccine): contain weakened germs.

3. Subunit vaccines (e.g., Hib vaccine): contain only parts of germs.

4. Conjugate vaccines (e.g., pneumococcal vaccine): combine weakened germs with carrier proteins.

Vaccines are typically administered through one of three methods:

1. Intramuscular injection (shot): injected into the muscle, usually in the arm or thigh.

2. Oral administration (by mouth): ingested in the form of a liquid or capsule, such as the oral poliovirus vaccine.

3. Nasal spray (intranasal): sprayed directly into the nostrils, like the nasal spray flu vaccine.

Now, it's important to understand that vaccinations are broadly categorized into three main groups based on age, need, and specific circumstances:

1.      Childhood Vaccinations: These vaccines are administered in early years to protect against a variety of diseases. They are crucial for building immunity at an early age and include:BCG (Tuberculosis), DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), Hepatitis B, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), HPV (Human Papillomavirus), Influenza (Seasonal Flu), IPV (Inactivated Poliovirus), MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate), Rotavirus

2.      Adult Vaccinations: As we age, some vaccines from childhood may require boosters, while others become necessary to protect against diseases that are more common in adulthood. These include: Influenza (Seasonal Flu), Td/Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), HPV (Human Papillomavirus), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Pneumococcal (PPSV23), Shingles (Herpes Zoster), Meningococcal, Rabies (for high-risk groups), COVID-19 (as recommended during the pandemic).

3.      Travel Vaccinations: For those traveling to certain parts of the world, specific vaccines are necessary to guard against region-specific diseases. Some common travel vaccinations include: Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Meningococcal, Japanese Encephalitis, Cholera

4.      Other Vaccinations: Aside from the core categories, some vaccines may be recommended based on individual risk factors, occupation, or other medical conditions: Varicella (Chickenpox), Meningococcal B, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Pneumococcal (PCV and PPSV23), Influenza (Seasonal Flu, H1N1, H3N2, etc.)

Kindly note that some of the vaccines which are mentioned above might fall under more than one category.

Before we wrap up, it's essential to recognize that vaccines aren't just for children—adults benefit from them too. Vaccines play a crucial role in maintaining public health by:

1. Preventing Serious Diseases: Vaccinations help protect individuals from life-threatening diseases that can have a lasting impact on overall health.

2. Reducing the Risk of Complications: By receiving recommended vaccinations, people can significantly lower the chances of facing severe complications from infections.

3. Protecting Vulnerable Groups: Vaccinations are not just about personal protection. They also help shield those who are more vulnerable, such as older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.

4. Preventing Outbreaks: Vaccines are a powerful tool in preventing disease outbreaks, ensuring that the spread of contagious diseases is controlled or eliminated.

As we continue to evolve, it's important to stay informed about the role of adult vaccinations. Consult your healthcare provider to ensure you're up to date with the necessary vaccinations, as these can safeguard your health and the health of your community.

With regards,
Team Chirasya Clinic